Hard-Fi at Bloomsbury Ballroom

The lovely lads from Staines are back with their indie punk sounds, celebrating a ten-year musical career with the release of their album Hard-Fi – The Best of 2004-2014 and a one-off show at London’s Bloomsbury Ballroom.

Considering previously sold out gigs at larger international and UK venues, Bloomsbury Ballroom made for a more intimate backdrop to mark their comeback. Still, dedicated fans flocked in and packed out the stunning art deco venue, making for a more intimate low-key gathering.

Though initially apologising for any hiccups or a rusty performance, the band played an impeccably clean set, with hardly a hint or suggestion that they’ve not performed in front of an audience since 2012. Frontman Richard Archer charmed the socks off of the crowd, belting out chart toppers including: Bring It On, Cash Machine, Hard to Beat, Stars of CCTV and new track Move Over. Raw guitar riff anthems were paced nicely with mellower tracks, including an acoustic performance of Move on Now by Archer. Though this was a rendition that has been previously performed live, it continues to have the powerful effect of getting the crowd singing along in unison.

The mood was electric and contagious, even fully grown men were dancing, and though the crowd was predominately testosterone fuelled, the girls got in their fair share of rocking out too. This clearly was not a promotional gig but a celebratory dedication to the fans that have supported Hard-Fi over the years. The audience definitely came first tonight.

With a continually strong following and impressive performance, here’s hoping that Hard-Fi will be back in the studio, organising tours and performing at festivals sooner rather than later. Welcome back boys.

Nastassja Smart
Photo: Magnus D

For further information and future events visit Hard-Fi’s website here.

Watch the video for Hard to Beat here: